TJFA Under 9’s Challenge Cup Semi Final
Stockton Town B Vs Middleton Rangers
08/03/09
Stockton Town (sponsored by Energy Direct) B Players and Coaches
Coach 1st Team: Andy Harrison
Ben Ersoz
Lewis Constantine
Lewis Bell
Martin Stoves
George Henry
Joe Clark
Sam Harrison
With the prize of a final in their sights the Stockton and Middleton players lined up ready to give their all.
Stockton started the game in a very positive manner and after a series of swift attacks and close efforts they made the early breakthrough when centre forward, Sam Harrison scored after good work from both speedy wingers, George Henry and Joe Clark.
Middleton Rangers hit back immediately by putting Stockton under pressure but the home defence of Lewis Bell, Lewis Constantine and goalkeeper Ben Ersoz coped admirably. Stockton midfielder Martin Stoves was playing superbly and feeding the Stockton front three who were causing Middleton constant problems.
Middleton’s strong defence was breached again around the mid point of the first half when Harrison superbly struck his second of the game. The first half finished with Stockton pushing but unable to add to the two goal lead.
With the strong cross wind slightly favouring Middleton in the second half they managed to pressurize the Stockton defence more but were always under threat from Stockton’s fast and skilful breaks.
Stockton keeper Ersoz had to make a brave save at the feet of a Middleton forward and picked up an injury, but still played through to the end of the match.
Halfway into the second half Middleton pulled a goal back from an excellent free kick and this set up an exciting finish to an excellent game. In an exciting finish to the game Bell continued to play his trademark passes to the Stockton wide men, Constantine carried on winning crucial tackles, Stoves was winning and spraying the ball around the pitch, Henry was constantly twisting and turning his way through challenges, Clark was outpacing his markers and delivering pinpoint balls to his team mates and Harrison continued to cause the Middleton defence countless problems with his skill and strength.
Stockton finally clinched the game with a great team goal finished brilliantly by Henry who made it 3-1. Finally, both teams should be congratulated on an excellent game in very difficult conditions.
Stockton Man of the Match – Sam Harrison
Coach 2nd Team: Steve Marsh
Harry Greaves
Harry Ward
Rebekah Higgins
Luke Hardy
Luke Fenwick
Ellie Hamilton
Tom Bell
The second game proved to be an equally exciting and hard fought encounter with Stockton again taking the honours, this time 4 goals to 1.
Stockton’s superb defence of goalkeeper Harry Greaves, Rebekah Higgins and Harry Ward proving to be a very difficult barrier for some lively Middleton forward play throughout.
The quality of the defence allowed the midfield and forwards to attack with confidence. Luke Fenwick had a storming game in midfield and scored the first goal of the game with an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box.
Luke Hardy delivered some fantastic crosses from the right wing throughout the game. Ellie Hamilton continued her fantastic run of form and scored two great goals while Tom Bell was only prevented another hatful of goals by some sharp Middleton goalkeeping keeping out his accurately placed shots.
Stockton Man of the Match – Harry Ward